Balinese celebrate Melasti, a purification ceremony ahead of Neypi Day

Mar 27, 2017 09:17 IST

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Balinese women hold umbrellas as they stand during a Melasti ceremony ahead of Nyepi Day at the Padanggalak beach in Denpasar, the Indonesian resort island of Bali. Nyepi day will be held on March 28, 2017. (Nyoman Budhiana/Antara Foto/REUTERS)

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Balinese women carry offerings for prayers during the Melasti ceremony at Kuta beach near Denpasar on the Indonesian resort island of Bali. Melasti is a purification festival which is held several days before "Nyepi", a day of silence, when Hindus on the island of Bali are not allowed to work, travel or take part in any indulgence. The Indonesian holiday island of Bali shuts down for the day of silence to mark the Hindu new year. (Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP)

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Balinese people walk along Kuta beach to attend prayers for the Melasti ceremony. (Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP)

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A Balinese woman carries an offering on her head for prayers during the Melasti ceremony. (Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP)

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Balinese Hindu worshipper attempts to stab himself with kris knives while in a trance on the beach during Melasti, a purification ceremony ahead of the holy day of Nyepi, in North Kuta, Bali, Indonesia. (Nyimas Laula/REUTERS)

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A Balinese Hindu woman collects sea water on a beach during Melasti, a purification ceremony ahead of the holy day of Nyepi, in Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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A Balinese Hindu throws a duck into the ocean as an offering during Melasti, a purification ceremony ahead of the holy day of Nyepi. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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A procession of Balinese Hindus walk along a beach during Melasti. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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Balinese Hindu men carry Jempana, or symbols of God, along a beach during Melasti. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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Balinese Hindu place offerings into the ocean during Melasti. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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Balinese Hindu men carry Jempana, or symbols of God during the celebrations. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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Balinese Hindus pray on a beach during Melasti. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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A Balinese Hindu woman holds her grandson's hand on a beach during Melasti ceremony. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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A canang or offering, which contains flowers and money is seen on a beach during Melasti. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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A Balinese Hindu priest sprinkles water on people as they pray. (Agung Parameswara/REUTERS)

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Balinese women dances during a Melasti ceremony ahead of Nyepi Day at the Padanggalak beach in Denpasar, the Indonesian resort island of Bali. (Nyoman Budhiana/Antara Foto/REUTERS)